At the risk of being labeled naïve and unrealistic, I am exploring in this week’s column a reality I have experienced myself on many occasions.

Studs Terkel’s candid reflections capture a universal longing for dignity, pride and the need for every working person to leave something tangible behind.

Gov. JB Pritzker set off a chain reaction last November when he told reporters he’d be open to changes in the SAFE-T Act, which eliminated cash bail and replaced it with a new pre-trial release/retention system, among other things.

Lovina reflects on family routines returning after the holidays, time spent with children and grandchildren, recent celebrations and visits, shared work and worship, and the simple blessings of faith, food and togetherness.

I was scrolling social media this week when I came across a quote by philanthropist Melinda Gates from her book “The Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes the World.”

They were a toe-tapping, hip-swirling, dancing machine. Mom was smiling. Dad was smiling. The music was smiling – the song that made it happen – Glenn Miller’s “In the Mood.”

Our family spent a few days together over Christmas. We had a pizza and ice cream supper for Joe’s 57th birthday one night, then on Christmas, we had a 10:30 brunch.

With a new year ahead of us, a reset or grounding might not be a bad idea.

On Dec. 31, I finally finished reading a great book I started on Jan. 1, 2025. Yep, it took an entire year to read. But that was the plan.